Palmdale, CA Airbnb Market Data, Statistics, and Occupancy Rates

Palmdale Short-Term Rental Market Overview

Palmdale is a small but growing short-term rental market in California's Antelope Valley, with 70 active Airbnb listings and year-over-year listing growth of 113%. Average annual revenue sits at $11,641 and the average daily rate of $149 comes in well below the $551 California state average, reflecting both the market's affordability and its more modest demand profile. With an ROI score of 37 out of 100, investors will need to be selective — larger properties in particular show meaningfully stronger revenue potential than the predominantly 1-bedroom supply.

Key Market Statistics

According to Rabbu market data, the Palmdale short-term rental market shows:

Data sources: Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026.

Why Investors Consider Palmdale

Palmdale appeals to investors seeking affordable California real estate with STR upside, though the market rewards selective property choices and strategic pricing.

Expert Market Assessment

"Palmdale presents a competitive opportunity where the right property can still pencil out, but the margin for error is thinner than in higher-demand California markets. The 26% average occupancy rate and $38 RevPAN suggest that many listings — particularly the dominant 1-bedroom segment — struggle to fill consistently. Seasonality is pronounced: July revenue of $1,315 is roughly 75% higher than January's $749, so cash-flow planning should account for lean winter months. Investors who focus on 3- or 4-bedroom properties, which command RevPAN of $46–$76, stand the best chance of generating returns that justify the acquisition cost."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Key Airbnb Metrics & Trends in Palmdale

Average revenue by month in Palmdale

Palmdale's revenue peaks sharply in the summer, with July ($1,315) and August ($1,263) leading the year, while January ($749) marks the lowest point — a spread of about 75%. The distinct warm-weather bump suggests desert-adjacent tourism and seasonal activity drive most of the demand, so investors should budget for quieter winters.

Active Airbnb listings by property size in Palmdale

One-bedroom listings dominate the Palmdale supply with 36 of 70 active listings (over half), while 2-bedroom units are notably scarce at just 6. The relative undersupply of 2-bedroom properties — combined with their 42% occupancy rate — could represent a niche opportunity for investors looking to differentiate.

Average daily rate (ADR) by property size in Palmdale

ADR scales dramatically with size in Palmdale: 1-bedroom listings average just $60/night, while 3-bedroom ($221) and 4-bedroom ($262) properties command rates more than three to four times higher. The sharpest rate jump occurs between 2-bedroom ($86) and 3-bedroom listings, suggesting guests place a significant premium on full-house accommodations.

Average RevPAN by property size in Palmdale

Four-bedroom properties deliver the strongest RevPAN at $76, more than five times the $14 earned by 1-bedroom units. Three-bedroom listings follow at $46, indicating that larger properties convert their higher ADR into meaningfully better revenue per available night despite relatively modest occupancy.

Average occupancy rates by property size in Palmdale

Two-bedroom listings lead occupancy at 42%, well above the market average of 26%, while 3-bedroom units trail at just 21%. The occupancy variation across sizes is significant — 1-bedrooms fill at 24% and 4-bedrooms at 29% — suggesting that mid-sized properties best balance guest accessibility with demand consistency.

Average monthly revenue by property size in Palmdale

Three-bedroom properties top monthly revenue at $2,758, narrowly edging out 4-bedroom listings at $2,714 — both roughly six times the $438 that 1-bedroom units generate. The steep revenue drop-off for smaller units makes a compelling case for targeting larger configurations in this market.

Average annual revenue by property size in Palmdale

Annual revenue tells a clear story: 3-bedroom properties earn approximately $33,098 and 4-bedrooms $32,571, while 1-bedroom listings bring in just $5,267 per year. With both larger configurations generating roughly six times the revenue of a 1-bedroom, the return potential strongly favors investors who can acquire family-sized homes.

Most common amenities for Airbnb listings in Palmdale

Parking dominates at 97% prevalence — unsurprising for a car-dependent market like Palmdale — followed by kitchens (84%) and workspaces (74%). The high workspace and self check-in (69%) adoption suggests hosts cater to a practical guest profile, while premium amenities like pools (10%) and hot tubs (13%) remain rare and could serve as differentiators.

Understanding Palmdale's ROI Score: 37/100

Rabbu's ROI Score is a proprietary metric that evaluates short-term rental investment potential based on multiple factors.

How the ROI Score is Calculated

What This Means for Investors

Palmdale's ROI score of 37 out of 100 places it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' band, meaning returns are achievable but require disciplined deal selection. The revenue-to-price ratio and market growth trend both rate as average, while occupancy stability scores below average — reflecting the 26% fill rate that drags down overall performance. Investors should pair this data with thorough local regulatory research and focus on larger property types where the revenue math is most compelling.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Palmdale

Understanding local STR regulations is essential before investing in Palmdale. Here's the current regulatory landscape:

Permit Requirements

The City of Palmdale and the State of California may require short-term rental operators to obtain permits, business licenses, or register their properties before listing. Investors should verify current requirements directly with Palmdale's planning or licensing department before acquiring a property.

Key Restrictions

Common STR restrictions in California cities can include occupancy limits, minimum stay requirements, noise ordinances, parking mandates, and caps on the number of permits issued. HOA rules may impose additional limitations in certain Palmdale communities, so reviewing any CC&Rs is an important step in due diligence.

Tax Obligations

Short-term rental hosts in California are typically subject to transient occupancy taxes, and some jurisdictions also collect tourism or sales taxes on lodging. Platforms like Airbnb often handle a portion of tax collection automatically, but operators should confirm their full obligations with the City of Palmdale and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Regulations subject to change. Always verify with local authorities before purchasing. A Rabbu partner agent specializing in Palmdale can provide current regulatory guidance.

Future Outlook & Long-Term Forecast

"Over the next 12–18 months, Palmdale's STR market is likely to continue expanding as the 113% year-over-year growth in active listings signals rising investor interest. Summer months should remain the revenue peak, with July and August potentially pushing monthly averages into the $1,200–$1,400 range. However, occupancy — currently at 26% versus the 43% state average — will be the key metric to watch; if supply keeps outpacing demand, rates and fill rates could face additional pressure. Investors targeting 3- and 4-bedroom properties are better positioned to capture higher RevPAN, though careful deal sourcing remains essential in this competitive landscape."

— Rabbu Market Analysis Team

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Palmdale, CA

What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palmdale?

The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Palmdale is currently 26%, which is below the California state average of 43%. Occupancy varies significantly by property size — 2-bedroom listings lead at 42%, while 3-bedroom properties sit at just 21%. Investors should factor these occupancy differences into revenue projections and pricing strategies.

How much do Airbnb hosts make in Palmdale?

Airbnb hosts in Palmdale earn an average of $970 per month and approximately $11,641 per year based on trailing 12-month booking data. However, earnings vary widely by property size: 1-bedroom listings average just $438/month, while 3-bedroom properties pull in around $2,758/month. Larger homes clearly outperform in this market.

Is Palmdale a good market for Airbnb investment?

Palmdale carries an ROI score of 37 out of 100, placing it in the 'Competitive Opportunity' category. The revenue-to-price ratio is average and occupancy stability is below average, meaning investors need to be more selective in deal sourcing. That said, 3- and 4-bedroom properties generating $32,000–$33,000 annually against average home values of $612,679 can still offer reasonable returns for the right acquisition.

What is the average daily rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Palmdale?

The average daily rate in Palmdale is $149, well below the California state average of $551. ADR scales significantly with property size: 1-bedroom listings average $60 per night, 2-bedrooms average $86, 3-bedrooms jump to $221, and 4-bedroom properties command $262. This pricing gap underscores the premium guests are willing to pay for larger spaces in this market.

Are short-term rentals legal in Palmdale?

Short-term rentals operate in Palmdale, but hosts should verify current local regulations, permit requirements, and licensing obligations with the City of Palmdale and the State of California. Regulations can change, and compliance with zoning rules, HOA restrictions, and tax obligations is essential before listing a property.

When is peak season for Airbnb in Palmdale?

Peak season in Palmdale runs from June through August, with July being the strongest month at an average revenue of $1,315. The slowest period is January at $749. The roughly 75% spread between peak and off-peak months means hosts should plan for significant seasonal fluctuations in income.

How many Airbnbs are there in Palmdale?

As of April 2026, there are 70 active Airbnb listings in Palmdale. The market has seen substantial growth, with a 113% year-over-year increase in active listings. One-bedroom units dominate the supply with 36 listings, followed by 4-bedrooms with 14, 3-bedrooms with 9, and 2-bedrooms with just 6.

How is Airbnb revenue calculated in Palmdale?

The annual and monthly revenue figures for Palmdale are derived from the trailing 12 months of historical booking performance for active comparable Airbnb listings in the market — not a forward-looking projection. We average each comparable listing's actual revenue per available night (RevPAN) by month over the past year, remove regional outliers, and roll the remainder up to a market-level historical average. This approach anchors the figures to what hosts have actually earned recently while naturally reflecting seasonal peaks and slower months, since each month uses its own historical performance. Individual results can vary based on property quality, pricing strategy, and operational management.

About Rabbu Market Data

Rabbu provides Airbnb and short-term rental market data and statistics across the United States. Our mission is to empower investors with accurate insights and easy-to-use tools, so they can confidently identify and act on the best opportunities in the Airbnb market.

What this data includes

• Regularly updated active Airbnb and STR listing counts for the Palmdale market
• Occupancy rates and average daily rate trends by property size
• Revenue and yield metrics including RevPAN, monthly, and annual averages based on trailing 12-month data
• Home value benchmarks sourced from the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI)
• Popular amenity prevalence across active listings

Sources and disclaimers

Rabbu proprietary analytics as of Apr, 27 2026 and Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) as of Apr, 27 2026. Revenue projections are estimates based on comparable properties and do not guarantee future performance. Data reflects trailing 12-month averages as of April 2026 and may not capture very recent market shifts. Local regulations, HOA rules, and tax requirements vary and should be independently verified before investing.